Ariën already played drums on Epica\'s latest album \'The Divine Conspiracy\', while Bagga Bowns drummer Koen Herfst helped out the band with all live shows as a session drummer. Says Ariën van Weesenbeek:

\"After having worked with the band Epica for about a year, I decided to join them as a full-time member. It\'s going to be a killer-time, and I\'m looking forward to the shows and all other activities that are coming up! I\'m also staying with God Dethroned, so no worries for all the God Dethroned fans.\"

Ariën plays on Premier drums (XPK series), a BigDog snaredrum, Amedia cymbals, Balbex drumsticks, and Roland triggers and modules.

Nuclear Blast Records recently released a limited deluxe cd edition in Europe of \'The Divine Conspiracy\', featuring bonus tracks, video clips and a \"making-of\" enhanced section.

Epica will also be supporting Symphony X on their upcoming North American tour in April/May 2008.